Around 20 residents of Kampung Dato’ Sulaiman Menteri staged a peaceful protest against alleged illegal gambling activities operating along Jalan Cempaka. The demonstration was held after repeated concerns over the issue were reportedly left unresolved despite previous complaints and enforcement actions.
Village head and JKKK chairman Mohd Zain Sungib said illegal gambling had been an ongoing problem in the area, with activities allegedly continuing openly and raising fears of community harm, including the risk of addiction among young people and Muslim residents.
He said the protest was carried out with police awareness to avoid any untoward incidents. He also claimed that those involved in the gambling activities ceased operations and left the premises after residents gathered at the location, although he did not rule out the possibility of continued hidden operations.
Mohd Zain urged the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) and other authorities to take stronger action against premises owners who allow their properties to be used for illegal activities, and called for more frequent patrols and enforcement operations to curb the issue.
A resident, Jamilah Ibrahim, supported the protest, saying the problem had persisted for years. She said the community appreciated the residents’ efforts and noted that while visible activities appeared to have stopped in the area, there was uncertainty over whether they had shifted elsewhere.
